WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) – There is a new fire chief in the city of Warwick.

James McLaughlin was sworn in as the new chief Wednesday night during a promotional ceremony at City Hall.

He succeeds Edmund Armstrong who retired after 35 years with the department.

Chief McLaughlin has served the Warwick Fire Department for 25 years.

McLaughlin’s father was also a firefighter. The chief told Eyewitness News, “For a lot of firefighters, it’s a family thing. All kids want to be firefighters when they’re young but some people don’t grow out of it. A lot of those people just happened to be people whose fathers or relatives were on the fire department. It’s in the blood. It’s a family business.”

Eleven other people were promoted during the ceremony including Assistant Chief David Morse.

Five others, besides Chief Armstrong, were recognized for their recent retirements.